Abstract
Purpose
To show for which publication-citation arrays h-type indices are equal and to reconsider rational h-type indices. Results for these research questions fill some gaps in existing basic knowledge about h-type indices.
Design/methodology/approach
The results and introduction of new indicators are based on well-known definitions.
Findings
The research purpose has been reached: answers to the first questions are obtained and new indicators are defined.
Research limitations
h-type indices do not meet the Bouyssou-Marchant independence requirement.
Practical implications
On the one hand, more insight has been obtained for well-known indices such as the h- and the g-index and on the other hand, simple extensions of existing indicators have been added to the bibliometric toolbox. Relative rational h-type indices are more useful for individuals than the existing absolute ones.
Originality/value
Answers to basic questions such as “when are the values of two h-type indices equal” are provided. A new rational h-index is introduced.